U.S. Representative John L. Mica (R-FL) released the following statement today asking the President not to certify Mexico as cooperating in the war on drugs. He indicated that if the President does certify Mexico, he would introduce legislation in Congress, as provided for under the law, to decertify Mexico.
"The recent bilateral anti-drug initiative is simply a ploy to divert attention away from Mexico’s real record in the war on drugs.
"Despite this recent agreement, I disagree with the certification of Mexico as a country which is 'cooperating fully' in our war on drugs. It is clear that a culture of corruption throughout the Mexican system responsible for fighting this war exists.
"For example, extraditions of Mexican nationals remain painfully slow and is not comparable to U.S. extraditions to Mexico.
"In addition to a lack of extraditions, there have not been arrests of major traffickers. After all, doesn’t the real record count? The last major trafficker arrested and extradited to the US was Juan GarcÌa Abrego in 1996.
"As a result, tidal waves of heroin and cocaine are flowing into our country and killing our teenagers. The tide must be stemmed.
"I am also concerned about the ability of our law enforcement personnel and their ability to protect themselves. Our agents are STILL prohibited from carrying firearms in Mexico - - does that sound like cooperation?
"My fear is that the Mexico’s justice and enforcement institutions remain seriously compromised. Certifying Mexico at this time sends the wrong signal to drug traffickers - - that the status quo is okay. As long as we continue to see record amounts of drugs flowing across the border, Mexico should not be certified as an ally.
"I've called for the President to decertify Mexico. If the Administration does certify Mexico, I will introduce legislation to decertify."